ST. LEO THE GREAT CHURCH FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA www.stleofairfax.com Dear Friends, Pope Francis in his apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of The Gospel), speaks powerfully concerning our obligation as Catholic Christians to love and defend all human life. Echoing the clear and consistent teaching of all previous Popes, he states that the choice between service to the poor and the defense of the unborn child is a false one. “213. Among the vulnerable for whom the Church wishes to care with particular love and concern are unborn children, the most defenseless and innocent among us. Nowadays efforts are made to deny them their human dignity and to do with them whatever one pleases, taking their lives and passing laws preventing anyone from standing in the way of this. Frequently, as a way of ridiculing the Church’s effort to defend their lives, attempts are made to present her position as ideological, obscurantist and conservative. Yet this defense of unborn life is closely linked to the defense of each and every other human right. It involves the conviction that a human being is always sacred and inviolable, in any situation and at every stage of development. Human beings are ends in themselves and never a means of resolving other problems. Once this conviction disappears, so do solid and lasting foundations for the defense of human rights, which would always be subject to the passing whims of the powers that be. Reason alone is sufficient to recognize the inviolable value of each single human life, but if we also look at the issue from the standpoint of faith, every violation of the personal dignity of the human being cries out in vengeance to God and is an offence against the creator of the individual”. 214. Precisely because this involves the internal consistency of our message about the value of the human person, the Church cannot be expected to change her position on this question. I want to be completely honest in this regard. This is not something subject to alleged reforms or February 1, 2015 ‘modernizations’. It is not ‘progressive’ to try to resolve problems by eliminating a human life. On the other hand, it is also true that we have done little to adequately accompany women in very difficult situations, where abortion appears as a quick solution to their profound anguish, especially when the life developing within them is the result of rape or a situation of extreme poverty. Who can remain unmoved before such painful situations?” We live in a diverse nation comprised of peoples of various faiths and perhaps even “no faith”. However true tolerance for others and respect for diversity is never expressed authentically by silencing the truth. In Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis speaks also of the obligation of believers to speak up and to act based upon their convictions for the good of society as a whole. “55. A healthy pluralism, one which genuinely respects differences and values them as such, does not entail privatizing religions in an attempt to reduce them to the quiet obscurity of the individual’s conscience or to relegate them to the enclosed precincts of churches, synagogues or mosques. This would represent, in effect, a new form of discrimination and authoritarianism. The respect due to the agnostic or non-believing minority should not be arbitrarily imposed in a way that silences the convictions of the believing majority or ignores the wealth of religious traditions. In the long run, this would feed resentment rather than tolerance and peace.” In Christ, Rev. David A. Whitestone, Pastor 2015 BISHOP’S LENTEN APPEAL BEGINS! This month Bishop Loverde will send a mailing regarding the 2015 Bishop’s Lenten Appeal (BLA). The theme for the 2015 BLA is “Stewards of Christ Sharing Gospel Joy!” After reflecting upon the many blessings that God has given you, please prayerfully consider making a sacrificial pledge of support to this important appeal that funds many programs and ministries that serve thousands of people in our diocese. When we join together as one Body in Christ, we can do so much for so many! FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME —Please remember in your prayers the repose of the souls of the faithful departed, especially: Jose Chavez, husband of Marilyn Chavez; Phyllis White, mother of Paulette Donnelly; Sister Maureen Christopher, IHM; Patricia Smith; Lilda Lando. Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday —We ask you to remember those in need of our daily prayers. BLESSING OF THROATS: Tuesday, February 3 is the Feast of Saint Blaise. Blessing of Throats will take place on Tuesday during daily Mass at 6:15 am and at 9:00 am. Mal 3:1-4; Heb 2:14-18; Lk 2:22-40 Heb 12:1-4; Mk 5:21-43 Heb 12:4-7, 11-15; Mk 6:1-6 Heb 12:18-19, 21-24; Mk 6:7-13 Heb 13:1-8; Mk 6:14-29 Heb 13:15-17, 20-21; Mk 6:30-34 Jb 7:1-4, 6-7; 1 Cor 9:16-19, 22-23; Mk 1:29-39 MASS INTENTIONS February 2 through February 8 BLESSING OF PARENTS TODAY, February 1 On the 1st Sunday of each month, Saint Leo features a blessing for Expectant and Adopting Parents in support of life & family. The blessing will take place after the 9am Mass in the church. Parents in any stage of pregnancy or the adoption process are invited. Mini-Retreat/Evening of Recollection for Women at St. Leo Tuesday, February 3 from 7:30-9:00 pm in the church. Sponsored by Opus Dei. Two Meditations and confession available. Deepen your friendship in silence with Our Lord. For information, please call Peggy, 703-620-4945. An Evening of Praise, Worship, & Adoration will be held Saturday, February 7th from 7-8:30 pm at Saint Leo in the Church. All are welcome for prayer, beautiful music, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, and Benediction. Marian Consecration During Lent, renew or make a 33 day total consecration to Jesus through Mary according to St. Louis deMontfort. The preparation will take place from February 20 through March 24. Tables will be in the church vestibule after all Masses the weekends of Jan 31-Feb. 1 and Feb. 7-8 for more information and to sign up. A $2 donation is requested to cover the cost of the book. For information, please contact Linda Click: 703-309-7533. Healing From Divorce Please join us on Saturday, February 21, 9am-3pm at St. Leo. We will meet for 9am Mass, followed by speakers, lunch, and a healing service. No matter how you’ve been touched by divorce – your own, your parents, siblings or friends, you need God’s healing touch. Allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with joy so that you can discern your path forward. Guest Speakers: Fr. David Whitestone, Fr. Dan Leary, Dr. Lianna Bennett. Registration required. Email: Beatrice Barry at [email protected]. Confessions offered through the day. Mon.: 6:15 9:00 Alvin Wichterman Lawrence, Magdaline Pinto & Therese D’Souza Tues.: 6:15 9:00 Louie Wichterman Lou Frank Wed.: 6:15 9:00 Henry Budzynski Henrietta Madison Thurs.: 6:15 9:00 Nancy A. Perri Burman Skrable, Sr. Fri.: 6:15 9:00 Josephine Hillary Donald Schindler Sat.: 9:00 5:00 Respect Life Frank Talana Sun.: 7:30 9:00 11:00 1:00 5:00 For the Parish Geraldine Willett deceased Knights of Columbus Ramiro Siles Nassif and Laurice Cannon In addition to the regular schedule of Masses, Mass has been offered for the following intentions: John Detweiler, Natasha Powderly, Dennis Wilson, Helen Urenko, Donald Joseph Manges, Jacob Tagorda,. BAPTISM CLASS IS MANDATORY at Saint Leo. The next class is Tuesday, February 10th at 7:30 pm in the St. Mark room. Please call the rectory office (703-273-5369) to register. Low Gluten Hosts are available for those who need them. Please inform the sacristan before Mass begins. ST. LEO THE GREAT CHURCH FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA www.stleofairfax.com A VOCATION VIEW “Let each of you lead the life that the Lord has assigned, to which God has called you.” If you are considering a vocation to the consecrated life or priesthood, call Father J.D. Jaffe at 703-841-2514 or write: [email protected]. Saint Leo the Great Catholic School Development Committee presents Live & Silent Auction featuring 7-night Caribbean Cruise Buffet Dinner & Beverages Music Raffles Vegas Style Gaming Please visit the school website www.saintleothegreatschool.org or event website – stleosch.ejoinme.org/Cruising2015 for more details and to purchase tickets Saint Leo the Great Catholic School invites interested parents to visit the school and learn what makes us a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Applications for the current school year are available in the school office. You may stop by to pick one up during school hours, 8:00 am-3:00 pm or access forms on our website at: www.saintleothegreatschool.org/Admissions. Applications for the 2015-2016 school year are available. Join us for an Open House on any of the following dates: Jan. 25, 12:00pm; Feb. 26, 10am, or call the school office to make an appointment for a tour 703-273-1211. In case of inclement weather please check the website or call the school office. Financial Aid packets available upon request. PLEASE NOTE: Saint Leo parishioners receive preferential status in Pre-School through eighth grade applications. In-parish families must be registered. February 1, 2015 ADULT FAITH FORMATION Faith & Food at P.J. Skidoos Please join us on Monday, February 2nd at 7:00 pm, for an evening of fellowship and lively discussion over dinner (appetizers on us!). Be sure to bring your friends! All ages are welcome! To suggest topics or submit questions you would like answered, please contact Carolyn: [email protected], 703-273-7277. Pilgrimage to Italy sponsored by St. Leo the Great's Adult Faith Formation Travel with Fr. Matthew DeForest and Carolyn Smith to Rome, Tuscany, Florence, Siena, Orvieto, Milan, Sordevolo, and Turin. See the Holy Shroud in Turin which will not be on display again until 2025! The trip will be from June 3 – 13, 2015. ALL inclusive price is $3,999.00. This includes airfare, all hotels, breakfasts, dinners (including red and white wine), tips, entrances, and private guide. Mass will be celebrated daily. To register, please contact Proximo Travel at (855) 8428001 or (508) 340-9370. You can also register online at www.proximotravel.com. You can see an online brochure at www.stleofairfax.com. For more information, please contact Carolyn at [email protected] or 703-273-5369. FRASSATI FAIRFAX Under the patronage of Bl. Giorgio Frassati, we are a community of young adults (20's-30's, singles and couples) who are striving to deepen our faith, serve the community, and evangelize the culture, all while enjoying coffee and outdoors-y activities. UPCOMING EVENTS: Monday, February 2: Join us for Faith and Food at PJ Skidoos at 7:00 pm! We will have a couple tables reserved for the young adults! This is a parish event! Saturday, February 7: join us for 9:00am Mass, Holy Half Hour and Coffee! See our Facebook page for more details! Find us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/ FrassatiFairfax/ For more Info, contact us at: [email protected] Follow us on Twitter: @FrassatiFairfax FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME Religious Education News 8th Grade Religious Education classes continue with the Bible Study “Encounter”. We look forward to seeing your child on Mondays, 7:00 -8:15 pm. Religious Education Office: 703-273-4868 Overcoming Sin & Evil at this Year’s Men’s Conference on March 7 All men of the parish are invited to the sixth annual diocesan Men’s Conference on March 7. This year’s conference –Victory Over the Common Enemy– will feature Fr. Larry Richards and author Neal Lozano exploring the presence of sin and evil in our lives and how to overcome them. Breakfast, lunch, and Mass with Bishop Loverde are included. New Conference location: Foxchase Manor, Manassas. Visit: www.arlingtondiocese.org/men for more details or to register. Kerri Caviezel & Kathleen Wilson to speak at the 2015 Women’s Conference on March 28 All women of the Diocese are encouraged to attend the annual Women’s Conference at Foxchase Manor in Manassas on March 28 with Kerri Caviezel, and the founder of Mary’s Shelter, Kathleen Wilson. The conference will focus on Transforming Suffering into Joy. It will begin with Mass celebrated by Bishop Loverde at 8:45 am. Confessions offered from 7 -8:45 am. Register Online. No registration at the door. Please visit www.arlingtondiocese.org/ women for registration and information. Father Diamond Council Events & Calendar Meetings – 2nd and 4th Tuesdays 8:00 PM Providence Hall 2/1 2/3 2/8 2/15 Scout Breakfast –school gym after 9:00 AM mass Officers Meeting Providence Hall – 7:30 PM Corporate Communion – 11:00 AM Mass Seats reserved for Knights and families Family Breakfast ——————- Giant, Shoppers Food Warehouse & Safeway Food Cards for sale – at Parish Hall every weekday at 3:00 PM or call Larry Novak - 703-978-6137 ——————- Join the Knights – Contact Vince Wilson – 703-218-3432 HIGH SCHOOL: NO HSYN TONIGHT! However, join us NEXT SUNDAY, February 8th from 6-8 pm, for our 3rd annual COFFEE HOUSE AND ART SHOW! St Leo youth ministry is sponsoring "An Evening in the Arts" with visual art, musical performances, and a one act play. Teens and adults will have art on display, as well as chance to share their talents in music and performance. This night will also premier our one act play, "Gossip," before the casts par+cipates in the Diocesan One Act Play Fes+val hosted by Upper Room Theater Ministries on February 14th. Our annual Ski and Snowboarding trip is Feb 16th! Presidents Day! Join us for a fun filled day on the slopes. We will take a bus and heading to Roundtop Pennsylvania for the day. Open to youth 7th-12th grade. Email us for registra+on forms: [email protected]. RCIT (Rite of Chris+an Ini+a+on for Teens) If you are in high school and are looking to receive, Bap+sm, First communion, or Confirma+on please email Erik at [email protected]. Registra+ons for sacramental prep classes available! Girls CLC is this week, Monday, February 2. Each week we break open the Gospels and reflect on scripture. Having tea par+es and ea+ng cupcakes are part of the weekly fun! Interested? Contact Laura BenneB: [email protected] Boys CLC is this week! Join us Wednesday, February 4 . Each week we break open the Gospels and reflect on scripture. Playing ul+mate frisbee, board games, or jamming out are part of the weekly fun! Interested? Contact Erik Teter at [email protected] Middle School "Thursday Takeovers" this week, February 5 from 3:305:00pm. 6th-8th graders are invited to come for snacks, games, and ul+mate frisbee. We meet in the Youth Room. Our next "On Fire!" is Saturday, February 7, 5:00-8:00pm. We will meet for Mass, followed by a free dinner in the Guadalupe Room, games, a brief talk, giveaways, & a bonfire with s'mores. "On Fire!" is a once month, large group event. This year's theme is "Living a Life of Virtue." 6th-8th graders welcome! Volunteer! Do you have a heart for youth ministry? We are looking for YOU! We need adult volunteers with hearts on fire for Christ! Must be at least 21 years of age, and be fully compliant with the requirements of the Diocesan Office for the ProtecBon of Children/Young People. We need volunteers for both our High School and Middle School Youth Ministry Programs. Questions? Email Erik or Melissa at: [email protected]. ST. LEO THE GREAT CHURCH FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA www.stleofairfax.com Arlington TOT returns February 9 nd TOT is held on the 2 Monday of each month at O'Sullivan's Irish Pub (3207 Washington Blvd., Arlington) Talk begins at 7:30 pm and ends with Q&A at 8:30 pm. All adults (ages 21-39) single & married of all faith backgrounds are invited Mass to Pray for Healing of Victims/Survivors of Sexual Abuse In 2004, Bishop Loverde began a series of diocesan-sponsored Masses to pray for healing for victims/ survivors of sexual abuse. The Masses are followed by a reception. The next Mass will be on Wednesday, February 4 at 7:30pm at St. Mary of Sorrows (5222 Sideburn Rd., Fairfax). Bishop Paul S. Loverde will preside. All are welcome to join us as a community to pray for healing for victims/survivors of sexual abuse. Horarios e Información Santas Misas: Español: Inglés: domingos a la 1:00 pm sábados–5 pm (Vigilia), domingos–7:30, 9, 11:00, 5pm Confesiones en español: Los domingos desde las 12:00pm a 12:50pm. Bautizos: Preparación- llamar a Carlos Cea: 703-8362139. RCIA Para Adultos: Domingos 11:00am-12:15pm, Salón Juan en el Centro Parroquial. Para información, llamar al Diácono José López, 703-222-7704. Matrimonio: Todo Católico que desee contraer matrimonio debe contactar la parroquia por lo menos seis meses antes del evento. Para mayor información comunicarse con Diacono Jose Lopez 703-222-7704. Catequesis Para Niños y Jóvenes: domingos 11– 12:30. Llamar a: 703-273-4868. Sacramentos para Estudiantes de Secundaria: llamar a la Oficina de Jovenes al teléfono 703-591-6089, ó email a [email protected]. Legion de Maria: sabado 5:00—6:30 pm ó domingo 11 am—12:30 pm. Información: Virginia Pierson —[email protected] Para mas información, llamar al Diacono José López 703222-7704. GED: Los domingos de 2:30 a 4:00pm en el salón Guadalupe. Alfabetización: Los domingos de 2:30 a 4:00pm en el Centro Parroquial. February 1, 2015 “Que cada uno de ustedes lleve la vida que el Señor les ha asignado, a la que Dios les ha llamado”. Si estás considerando la vocación al sacerdocio o la vida consagrada, llama al Padre J.D. Jaffe al (703) 841-2514 o escribele a: [email protected] ¡COMIENZA LA PETICIÓN CUARESMAL DEL OBISPO DE 2015! Este mes, Monseñor Loverde enviará correspondencia sobre la Petición Cuaresmal del Obispo (PCO) de 2015. El tema de esta PCO es ¡Servidores de Cristo que comparten la alegría del Evangelio! Después de reflexionar sobre las muchas bendiciones recibidas de Dios, les ruego que en espíritu de oración y sacrificio consideren la posibilidad de hacer na promesa de contribución para apoyar este importante llamamiento que permite financiar muchos programas y ministerios al servicio de miles de personas de nuestra Diócesis. Cuando nos unimos como un cuerpo en Cristo, ¡podemos hacer tanto para ayudar a tantas personas! ¡Aprenda inglés! Clases son los sábados de 10am a 12pm. Las clases cuestan $50 por el semestre de 12 semanas. ¡Inscríbase sábado en Parish Hall! Para más información, llame a Catholic Charities- Hogar Immigrant Services al 571-208-1572. Grupo Divina Misericordia y Compasión ¿Conoce a alguien que se encuentre solo y enfermo? ¿Sabe de alguien que necesite de la palabra de Dios y de la compañía de miembros de su iglesia? Un grupo de personas de nuestra parroquia visita a los miembros de la comunidad que se encuentran enfermos en los hospitales ó en sus casas. Se brinda oraciones y compañía a todas aquellas personas delicadas de salud. Tambien un ministro le puede traer comunión ó puede pedir que un sacerdote le visite para recibir los sacramentos. Por favor llamen a Gilma Orozco al 571-238-6634. Estudio Bíblico: Gálatas- Liberados para Vivir una Vida Plena El grupo de estudio bíblico se volverá a reunir a partir de viernes, 23 de enero, todos los viernes de 7:309:00pm en el salón San Juan. Estamos comenzando un nuevo estudio sobre la Carta a los Gálatas. Personas que no estuvieron en la sesión anterior que deseen integrarse lo pueden hacer, el costo de material es $10. Para mayor información contactar a Gustavo y Sandra Solares 703-346 -0409. Hora Santa: Jesus nos dijo ¿No puedes acompañarme por una hora? El grupo de oración de la parroquia los invita a una Hora de Adoración delante del Santísimo normalmente todos lo últimos sábados del més. La próxima hora santa será el 31 de enero. Grupo de Oración Sábados 6-8:30pm, Salon de Nuestra Sra de La Guadalupe. Información: Jose Ferrufino: 703-250-1343. FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME ST. LEO THE GREAT CHURCH FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA www.stleofairfax.com February 1, 2015
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